Max Abmas Hits Game Winner as Texas Longhorns Survive vs. Louisville Cardinals
NEW YORK CITY -- The Texas Longhorns left the comforts of Moody Center for the first time of the season this week, as they made their way to New York City for the Empire Classic. In their first game of the tournament on Sunday, Texas played a Louisville Cardinals team that has played poorly to start the season.
But instead of a fourth win that many thought would come easy, No. 19 Texas (4-0) found itself in a neck-and-neck battle in the World's Most Famous Arena but guard Max Abmas saved the day with game winner with 0.4 seconds left to give the Longhorns an 81-80 win.
Texas got a game-high 27 points from Kadin Shedrick, who was dominant in the interior.
The game featured 21 lead changes, as it was a true back-and-forth affair.
Along with Shedrick, Texas was led by Abmas (14 points) and Ithiel Horton (10 points).
Texas Longhorns guard Max Abmas (3) dribbles against Louisville Cardinals guard Mike James (0) during the first half at Madison Square Garden.
© Vincent Carchietta, USA TODAY
Shedrick got off to a solid start on both ends while Abmas hit a pair of triples as the Longhorns jumped out to an 16-7 lead, but the Cardinals kept things close for the entire first thanks to nine points and six rebounds from Huntley-Hatfield.
Texas led Louisville 41-38 at halftime, as it was Abmas and Shedrick who led all scorers with 10 points apiece. The Longhorns looked improved from a worrisome turnover trend that had plagued them for the first three games of the season. Texas had just two turnovers in the first half compared to six for the Cardinals.
Louisville came out strong in the second half and built its biggest lead at point of four, but the Longhorns were able to build a 59-54 lead midway through the second half.
Things remained tight with the game tied at 65-65 with six minutes to play in the game, but the Cardinals eventually got the lead and key momentum swing thanks to two huge triple from Clark.
Down 80-79, the Longhorns forced a shot clock violation with 7.9 seconds left, which helped lead to the final possession, where Abmas won it for Texas.
The Longhorns will play the UConn Huskies on Monday.
